Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 19, 2026 - When Joe Tavares, one of Ajax Downs' most successful trainers, went shopping for racehorses the past two winters it would have been hard to predict that four of those purchases would be in the first stakes race of the 2026 season. The $32,805 QROOI OPEN DERBY on Wednesday, May 20 features an evenly matched field of 10 three-year-olds including three Trial winners, two of which are owned by Tavares.

Had to Be Ivory Wins for 34th time

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 14, 2026 - The equine star of Ajax Downs' card of racing on a crisp, windy May 13, Had to Be Ivory, won for the 34th time while later in the afternoon, jockey Corry Beland won his first race of his young career.

BGRA Announces 2026 Youth Contests

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing, horse-shows-clinics

The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), with the support of Standardbred breeder and owner Tom Rankin, is once again holding its annual Youth Contests.

Champions Gather in Wednesday's Gridiron

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 12, 2026 - Fans coming out to Ajax Downs for the second day of the 2026 Quarter Horse meeting are in for a treat as Canada's most decorated Quarter Horse, HAD TO BE IVORY, returns to action in the featured Gridiron Gallop. The two-time Horse of the Year holds the track record for the Gridiron's 110-yard distance of 6.761 seconds and comes off another spectacular season in which he won all four of his starts.

From the Trainer's Eye - Show Season: Where Preparation Meets Pressue

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, western riding

Jen: The first Reining and Ranch shows of the season are underway in Ontario and for many riders, months of winter preparation have now met reality.

Turning Barrels for a Bigger Purpose: Supporting Farmer Mental Health

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-shows-clinics

The Ontario barrel racing community will be coming together for more than just competition this spring. On May 30, 2026, riders and supporters will gather at Charlie Hill Equine for the Farmers Dash Fundraiser Barrel Race, an event dedicated to supporting farmer mental health through the Farmer Wellness Initiative and Agriculture Wellness Ontario.

Had to Be Fabulous is Back

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing

AJAX DOWNS, MAY 7 2026 - The Quarter Horses made a fabulous return to Ajax Downs on May 6, opening day of the track's 2026 racing season. Racing fans enthusiastically welcomed back the horses and horsepeople on a chilly afternoon featuring the new, first race post time of 3:30 p.m. and set a wagering record.

Speed on Display! They're Off for Ajax Downs' 57th Quarter Horse Season

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing

AJAX DOWNS, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 - The BATTLE OF THE BREEDS headlines a packed eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Ajax Downs. The popular 'hook' race, which pits Thoroughbreds versus Quarter Horses, is a 770-yard dash around a turn and is the first race of the afternoon.

Rankin Breeding Farm Open to All on May 30

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-racing, horse-shows-clinics

Standardbred breeders Beth and Tom Rankin will once again open their doors and welcome the community into their breeding farm in St. Catharines, Ont. on Saturday, May 30 to get up close and personal with their horses.

What Kind of Horse Owner Are You in an Emergency?

Posted in Equestrian News, Home Page articles, horse-shows-clinics

Guelph, ON May 3 - 9, 2026 - Emergency Preparedness Week takes place May 3 to 9, and Equine Guelph is encouraging horse owners, caretakers, and stable managers to take a closer look at how prepared they really are for the unexpected. Through education, free tools, and practical training, Equine Guelph focuses on prevention and preparedness as essential parts of everyday horse care, long before an emergency ever occurs.

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Displaying posts in Home Page articles

Lights Dynasty Leads Tavares Army in Ajax Downs' First Stakes Race of 2026

Had to Be Ivory Wins for 34th time

BGRA Announces 2026 Youth Contests

Champions Gather in Wednesday's Gridiron

From the Trainer's Eye - Show Season: Where Preparation Meets Pressue

Turning Barrels for a Bigger Purpose: Supporting Farmer Mental Health

Had to Be Fabulous is Back

Speed on Display! They're Off for Ajax Downs' 57th Quarter Horse Season

Rankin Breeding Farm Open to All on May 30

What Kind of Horse Owner Are You in an Emergency?

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